Heart Attacks, Strokes from Microplastics: Studies Reveal

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are ubiquitous in the environment and can enter the human body through various routes. They can carry harmful chemicals and cause inflammation, DNA damage and cancer. This article reviews the latest evidence on the health risks of microplastic exposure and suggests ways to reduce it.

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size, but they can also degrade into even smaller nanoplastics. They are present in many everyday products, such as clothes, cosmetics, packaging and tires, and they can be released into the environment by weathering, friction or human activities. They have been found in all kinds of ecosystems, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and also in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the tissues we have.

The presence of microplastics in the human body raises serious concerns about their potential health effects. Microplastics can carry a range of contaminants, such as trace metals and organic chemicals, that can leach from their surface once inside the body and cause toxic effects . Some of these chemicals are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the hormonal system and increase the risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers . Microplastics can also cause inflammation and irritation in the tissues they contact, which may lead to DNA damage and promote cancer . Moreover, microplastics can affect the intestinal microbiome, which plays a key role in immune regulation and cancer prevention .

The evidence on the link between microplastic exposure and cancer is still limited and inconclusive, but some studies have suggested alarming associations. For example, a landmark study published in 2024 found that people who had microplastics or nanoplastics lodged in a main artery were 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, a stroke or death than those who did not . Another study found an increased risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to high concentrations of PVC microplastic dust particles .

Given the widespread presence and persistence of microplastics in the environment and the human body, it is urgent to take action to reduce their production, use and disposal. Some possible measures include banning or regulating the most hazardous plastic materials and additives, promoting circular economy and recycling practices, improving waste management and treatment systems, raising public awareness and education, and supporting research and innovation on safer alternatives . Reducing microplastic exposure is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for our health and well-being.

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